WO2006113079A1 - Electrical appliance for use with batteries - Google Patents
Electrical appliance for use with batteries Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006113079A1 WO2006113079A1 PCT/US2006/011582 US2006011582W WO2006113079A1 WO 2006113079 A1 WO2006113079 A1 WO 2006113079A1 US 2006011582 W US2006011582 W US 2006011582W WO 2006113079 A1 WO2006113079 A1 WO 2006113079A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- battery
- batteries
- contacts
- electrical contact
- contact
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
- H02J7/0045—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0013—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially
Definitions
- the present application generally relates to electrical appliances using batteries, and more particularly to battery chargers.
- Rechargeable (secondary) batteries such as nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) and nickel- cadmium (Ni-Cd) electrical cells, are generally designed to be recharged by applying an electrical charging current to the positive and negative battery terminals.
- a battery charger is employed.
- the charger generally includes electrical charge contact terminals configured to contact the positive and negative battery terminals of a battery to provide an electrical current charging path.
- Conventional battery chargers are known to charge an individual battery or a plurality of batteries simultaneously.
- one such charger includes a housing structure having a first upstanding wall and a second upstanding wall which is generally parallel to the first.
- a sliding tray is movable between a first position in which the first and second walls are adjacent to each other and a second position in which the first and second walls are spaced apart. In the first position, the charger does not accept batteries for charging. In the second position, the tray is configured to hold one or more batteries for charging. While such a charger has proven to be compact, it is nonetheless desirable to produce a battery charger having still additional flexibility.
- battery chargers which can be used to charge batteries of different sizes.
- battery chargers have also included separate charging bays, each bay receiving a battery having a particular size.
- bays which can be can be configured to accept a battery of varying sizes. Again, however, it remains desirable to produce a battery charger which is space efficient yet also provides additional flexibility in charging batteries of various sizes.
- an apparatus includes battery charging circuitry, a first region, and a second region.
- the first region is adapted to selectively receive one of a first generally cylindrical battery having a radial dimension and a first plurality of generally cylindrical batteries having radial dimensions less than the radial dimension of the first battery.
- the first plurality of batteries are received in positions which are radially offset from the position of the first battery.
- the second region is adapted to selectively receive one of a second generally cylindrical battery having a radial dimension and a second plurality of generally cylindrical batteries having radial dimensions less than the radial dimension of the second battery.
- the second plurality of batteries are received in positions which are radially offset from the position of the second battery.
- the apparatus also includes contacts in electrical communication with the battery charging circuitry and adapted to make electrical contact with the batteries selectively received in the first region, and contacts in electrical communication with the battery charging circuitry and adapted to make electrical contact with the batteries selectively received in the second region.
- the second region is disposed longitudinally in relation to the first region.
- the apparatus also includes a third region disposed radially in relation to the first region, and a fourth region.
- the third region is adapted to selectively receive one of a third generally cylindrical battery having a radial dimension and a third plurality of generally cylindrical batteries having radial dimensions less than the radial dimension of the third battery.
- the fourth region is adapted to selectively receive one of a fourth generally cylindrical battery having a radial dimension and a fourth plurality of generally cylindrical batteries having radial dimensions less than the radial dimension of the fourth battery.
- the apparatus also includes contacts in electrical communication with the battery charging circuitry and adapted to make electrical contact with the batteries selectively received in the third region, and contacts in electrical communication with the battery charging circuitry and adapted to make electrical contact with the batteries selectively received in the fourth region.
- the second region may be disposed radially in relation to the first region.
- the first region is adapted to selectively receive one of a C size battery, a plurality of
- the first and second regions may each be adapted to selectively receive one of a C size battery, a D size battery, two AA size batteries, or two AAA size batteries.
- the first region may be adapted to selectively receive a generally rectangular 9 volt battery.
- the 9 volt battery may be received with its major axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first battery.
- the contacts adapted to make electrical contact with batteries selectively received in the first region include longitudinally spaced contacts.
- the longitudinal spacing of the contacts is adjustable to make electrical contact with batteries having at least first, second, and third longitudinal dimensions.
- the longitudinal spacing of the contacts may be slidably adjustable.
- the longitudinal spacing of the contacts is adjustable to make electrical contact with batteries having at least first, second, and third longitudinal dimensions.
- the longitudinal spacing of the contacts adapted to make electrical contact with batteries selectively received in the first region may be adjustable independently from the longitudinal spacing of the contacts adapted to make electrical contact with batteries selectively received in the second region.
- the apparatus may be selectively configurable in a first configuration wherein the second region is adapted to receive one or more batteries for charging and a second configuration wherein the second region is substantially non-existent.
- the first region may be adapted to selectively receive one of a C size battery, a plurality of AA size batteries, a plurality of AAA size batteries, or a generally rectangular 9 volt battery.
- the apparatus includes a first set of longitudinally spaced electrical contacts.
- the contacts are adapted to selectively make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of one of a first generally cylindrical battery having a radial dimension and a longitudinal dimension and a first plurality of generally cylindrical batteries having radial dimensions less than the radial dimension of the first battery and longitudinal dimensions different from the longitudinal dimension of the first battery.
- the first set of contacts receives the first plurality of batteries in positions which are radially offset from the position of the first battery, and the longitudinal spacing of the first set of electrical contacts is adjustable.
- the first battery is a C size battery and the first plurality of batteries are AA or AAA size batteries.
- the longitudinal spacing of the first set of contacts is adjustable to make electrical contact with C, AA, and AAA size batteries.
- the first plurality may equal 2.
- the first battery may include a C size or a D size battery and the first plurality of batteries may include AA or AAA size batteries, and the longitudinal spacing of the contacts may be selectively adjustable to make electrical contact with the terminals of C, D, AA, and AAA size batteries.
- the first plurality of batteries are connected electrically in series.
- the first set of longitudinally spaced electrical contacts includes a first contact and a second contact.
- the apparatus also includes a first support.
- the second contact is supported by the first support, and the first support is adjustable so as to vary the longitudinal spacing of the first and second contacts.
- the first support may be slidably adjustable.
- the first set of longitudinally spaced electrical contacts may include a third contact supported by the first support.
- the first support may be adjustable so as to vary the longitudinal spacing between the first contact and the second and third contacts.
- the apparatus also includes a second set of longitudinally spaced electrical contacts adapted to selectively make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of one of a second generally cylindrical battery having a radial dimension and a longitudinal dimension and a second plurality of generally cylindrical batteries having radial dimensions less than the radial dimension of the second battery and longitudinal dimensions different from the longitudinal dimension of the second battery.
- the second set of contacts receives the second plurality of batteries in positions radially offset from the position of the second battery, and the longitudinal spacing of the second set of electrical contacts is adjustable.
- the second set of contacts may be disposed generally radially in relation to the first set of contacts.
- the second set of longitudinally spaced electrical contacts includes a fourth contact and a fifth contact
- the apparatus also includes a second support.
- the fifth contact is supported by the second support, and the second support is adjustable so as to vary the longitudinal spacing between the fourth and fifth contacts.
- the second set of longitudinally spaced electrical contacts may also include a fourth contact and a fifth contact, with the fifth contact supported by the first support.
- the first support may be adjustable so as to vary the longitudinal spacing between the first and fourth contacts and the second and fifth contacts.
- the apparatus may also include battery charging circuitry operatively connected to the first set of longitudinally spaced contacts.
- an apparatus includes at least a first electrical contact for selectively making electrical contact with a first terminal of one of a first battery having a radial dimension and a longitudinal dimension, and each of a first plurality of batteries having a radial dimension less than the radial dimension of the first battery and a longitudinal dimension different from that of the first battery.
- the apparatus also includes at least a second electrical contact for selectively making electrical contact with the second terminal of one of the first battery and each of the first plurality of batteries.
- the contacts receive the first plurality of batteries in positions which are generally radially offset from the position of the first battery.
- the apparatus also includes means for supporting the at least a second contact for longitudinal motion in relation to the at least a first contact.
- the spacing of the contacts is adjustable between a first position for making electrical contact with the terminals of the first battery and a second position for making electrical contact with the terminals of the first plurality of batteries.
- the contacts may be adjustable to a third position in which the distance between the contacts is insufficient to receive a battery for electrical contact therebetween.
- the means for supporting may be slidably movable in the longitudinal direction.
- the apparatus includes a main body portion.
- the means for supporting includes a moving body portion.
- an apparatus includes a structure which defines a battery receiving region adapted to selectively receive either a plurality of AA size batteries, a plurality of AAA size batteries, or a first battery having a radial dimension larger than the radial dimension of the AA batteries.
- the first battery is received in a position which is radially offset from a position of a AA battery received in the battery receiving region.
- the apparatus also includes contacts adapted to make electrical contact with the batteries selectively received in the battery receiving region.
- the battery receiving region is adapted to selectively receive two AA size batteries, two AAA size batteries, a C size battery, or a D size battery.
- the battery receiving region may also receive a generally rectangular 9 volt battery.
- an apparatus includes a first body portion configured to receive a first generally cylindrical battery.
- the first body portion includes a first wall.
- the apparatus also includes a first pair of longitudinally spaced contacts adapted to make electrical contact with the first battery and a movable body portion having a second wall.
- the movable body portion is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first and second walls are adjacent to each other. In the second position, the first and second walls are spaced from one other, and the moveable body portion is configured to receive a second generally cylindrical battery.
- the apparatus also includes a second pair of contacts adapted to make electrical contact with the second battery.
- the second pair of contacts includes a first contact supported by the first wall and a second contact supported by the second wall.
- the second battery is received longitudinally in relation to the first battery.
- the body portion may be configured to receive a third generally cylindrical battery, with the third battery received radially in relation to the first battery.
- the apparatus may also include a third pair of contacts adapted to make electrical contact with the third battery.
- the movable body portion when disposed in the second position, is configured to receive a fourth generally cylindrical battery.
- the fourth battery is received radially in relation to the third battery.
- the apparatus also includes a fourth pair of contacts adapted to make electrical contact with the fourth battery.
- an apparatus may also include a battery support disposed near the second wall.
- an apparatus includes first and second housing portions.
- the first housing portion defines a first battery holding region adapted to hold a first battery.
- the second housing portion is extendable in relation to the first housing portion so as to define a second battery holding region adapted to hold a second battery.
- the second housing portion is also retractable in relation to the first housing portion so that the second battery holding region is substantially non-existent.
- the apparatus also includes a first contact adapted to make electrical contact with the first battery, and a first contact adapted to make electrical contact with the second battery.
- the second housing portion is telescopically extendable. Still other aspects of the present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the attached description.
- Figure 1 is a top view of a battery charger.
- Figure 2 is a side view of a battery charger.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery charger.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery charger.
- Figure 5 is a top view of a first cavity of a battery charger.
- Figure 6 is a sectional view of a first cavity of a battery charger as shown in Figure 5.
- Figure 7 is a sectional view of a first cavity of a battery charger as shown in Figure 5.
- Figure 8 is a top view of a second cavity of a battery charger.
- Figure 9 is a sectional view of a second cavity of a battery charger as shown in Figure 8.
- Figure 10 is a sectional view of a second cavity of a battery charger as shown in Figure 8.
- Figure 11 is a block diagram of the charging circuitry of a battery charger.
- Figure 12 is a sectional view of a first cavity of a battery charger.
- Figure 13 is a sectional view of a first cavity of a battery charger.
- an electrical appliance such as a battery charger 10 includes a main body 12, a cover 14, and a movable body portion 16.
- the cover 14 is mounted to the main body 12 for pivotal motion between open and closed positions.
- the cover 14 opens to expose a first or main cavity 20.
- the main cavity 20 includes first and second charging bays 28, 30.
- each charging bay 28, 30 is configured to receive one or more generally cylindrical batteries 22 as well as a standard 9 volt battery having a generally rectangular shape.
- the movable body portion 16 is mounted to the main body 12 for telescopic linear movement along axis 23.
- the movable body portion 16 extends to expose a second or auxiliary cavity 24.
- the second cavity 24 includes third and fourth charging bays 32, 34.
- the third and fourth bays 32, 34 are each configured to receive one or more generally cylindrical batteries 22. In a compressed or retracted position, the main and movable body portions 12, 16 overlap, and the second or auxiliary cavity portion is substantially non-existent.
- the main body 12 also contains electrical charging circuitry which supplies an electrical current to the batteries to be recharged.
- Human readable indicators 18 such as light emitting diodes indicate the status of the charger. In the illustrated embodiment, separate indicators are provided to indicate the status of the each of the charging bays 28, 30, 32, 34.
- the first cavity 20 is shown in greater detail. As noted above, the first cavity 20 includes first and second charging bays 28, 30. The first and second charging bays 28, 30 are located generally radially in relation to each other.
- the first cavity 20 includes first and second end walls 36, 38. Disposed near the first end wall 36 is a first battery support 40.
- a second battery support 46 is longitudinally spaced from the first battery support 40.
- the first and second battery supports 40, 46 include respective curved battery supports 42a, 42b, 42c and 48a, 48b, 48c associated with the first charging bay 28.
- the first and second battery supports 40, 46 also include respective curved battery supports 44a, 44b, 44c and 50a, 50b, 50c associated with the second charging bay 30.
- the radii of the outer curved battery supports 42a, 42c, 48a, 48c, 44a, 44c, 50a, 50c are selected to support batteries having a relatively smaller radial dimension, for example standard AA and AAA size single cell batteries.
- the radii of the more central curved battery supports 42b, 48b, 44b, 50b are selected to support batteries of a relatively larger radial dimension, for example standard C and D size single cell batteries.
- the first and second bays 28, 30 also include respective regions 52, 54 for receiving a standard 9 volt battery having a generally rectangular shape. As can be seen, the 9 volt batteries are received with their major axes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the cylindrical batteries.
- Each bay 28, 30 also includes electrical contacts for providing electrical connections to the batteries received therein. Disposed on first end wall 36 are electrical contacts 56a, 56b, 56c associated with the first charging bay 2S and electrical contacts 58a, 58b, 58c associated with the second charging bay 30.
- movable contact supports 64, 66 are associated with the first 28 and second 30 charging bays, respectively.
- the movable contact supports 64, 66 are longitudinally spaced from the first wall 36.
- Each contact support 64, 66 is movable in the longitudinal direction so as to accommodate batteries having different longitudinal dimensions.
- Each movable contact support 64, 66 is preferably spring loaded so that it is urged in the direction of the first wall 36.
- the movable contact support 64 associated with the first charging bay 28 supports electrical contacts 60a, 60b, 60c.
- the movable contact support 66 associated with the second charging bay 30 supports electrical contacts 62a, 62b, 62c.
- the 9 volt battery receiving region 52 in the first bay 28 also includes contacts 68a, 68b for making electrical contact with a 9 volt battery received therein.
- the 9 volt battery receiving region 54 in the second bay 30 also includes contacts 70a, 70b for making electrical contact with a 9 volt battery received therein.
- a user may insert batteries of various sizes into the first and second charging bays 28, 30. With reference to the first charging bay 28, for example, the user may insert two AA size batteries, two AAA batteries, one C size battery, one D size battery, or one 9 volt battery.
- the first battery is inserted so as to be supported by the left-most battery supports 42a, 4Sa in the first bay 28.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 56a, 60a make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the first battery.
- the second battery is inserted so as to be supported by the right-most battery supports 42c, 48c.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 56c, 60c make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the second battery.
- the user inserts a single battery so as to be supported by the inner or central battery support 42b, 48b.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 56b, 60b make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
- the first bay 28 selectively receives a battery having a relatively larger radial dimension or a plurality of batteries having a relatively smaller radial dimension in positions which are radially offset from that of the larger battery, the larger battery being disposed generally between the smaller batteries.
- the position of the movable contact support 64 is longitudinally adjustable to accommodate the longitudinal dimensions of the battery or batteries received in the bay.
- the contact support 64 is urged in the direction of the first wall 36 so as to make reliable electrical connections with the battery or batteries inserted in the first bay 28.
- the user may insert a 9 volt battery into the 9 volt battery receiving region 52 of the first bay 28.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 68a, 6Sb make electrical contact with the battery terminals.
- the user may likewise insert batteries of various sizes in the second charging bay 30.
- the user may insert two AA size batteries, two AAA size batteries, one C size battery, one D size battery, or one 9 volt battery.
- the choice of battery sizes inserted in the second bay 30 is independent from the battery sizes inserted in the first bay 28.
- the first battery is inserted so as to be supported by the left-most battery supports 44a, 50a in the second bay 30.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 58a, 62a make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the first battery.
- the second battery is inserted so as to be supported by the right most battery supports 44c, 50c.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 58c, 62c make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the first battery.
- the user inserts a single battery so as to be supported by the inner or central battery support 44b, 50b.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 58b, 62b make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
- the second bay 30 selectively receives a battery having a relatively larger radial dimension or a plurality of batteries having a relatively smaller radial dimension in positions which are radially offset from that of the larger battery, the larger battery being disposed generally between the smaller batteries.
- the position of the movable contact support 66 is longitudinally adjustable to accommodate the longitudinal dimensions of the battery or batteries received in the bay.
- the contact support 66 is urged in the direction of the first wall 36 so as to make reliable electrical connections with the battery or batteries inserted in the second bay 30.
- the user may insert a 9 volt battery into the 9 volt battery receiving region 54 of the second bay 30.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 70a, 70b make electrical contact with the battery terminals.
- the second cavity 24 includes third and fourth charging bays 32, 34.
- the third and fourth charging bays 32, 34 are located radially in relation to each other and longitudinally in relation to the first and second charging bays 28, 30.
- the second cavity 24 includes first and second end walls 136, 138.
- the first end wall 136 may advantageously be the outer end wall of the main body 12.
- the second end wall 138 may advantageously be the inner end wall of the sliding body portion 16.
- Disposed near the first end wall 136 is a first battery support 140.
- a second battery support 146 is located near the second end wall 138.
- the first and second battery supports 140, 146 each include curved battery supports 142a, 142b, 142c and 14Sa, 14Sb, 148c associated with the third charging bay 32.
- the first and second battery supports 140, 146 also include curved battery supports 144a, 144b, 144c and 150a, 150b, 150c associated with the fourth charging bay 34.
- the radii of the curved battery supports 142a, 142c, 148a, 14Sc, 144a, 144c, 150a, 150c are selected to support batteries of a relatively smaller radial dimension, for example standard AA and AAA size single cell batteries.
- the radii of the curved battery supports 142b, 148b, 144b, 150b are selected to support batteries of a relatively larger radial dimension, for example standard C and D size single cell batteries.
- Each bay 32, 34 also includes electrical contacts for providing electrical connections to the batteries received therein.
- Supported by the first end wall 136 are electrical contacts 156a, 156b, 156c associated with the third charging bay 32 and electrical contacts 158a, 158b, 158c associated with the fourth charging bay 34.
- Supported by the second end wall 138 are electrical contacts 160a, 160b, 160c associated with the third charging bay 32 and electrical contacts 162a, 162b, 162c associated with the fourth charging bay 34.
- the movable body portion 16 is movable in the longitudinal direction so as to accommodate batteries 22 having different lengths.
- the sliding body portion 16 is preferably spring loaded so that the second end wall 138, together with its associated contacts 160, 162 are urged in the direction of the first end wall 136.
- the sliding body portion 16 is preferably disposable in a retracted position wherein first and second end walls 136, 138 are substantially adjacent.
- a user may insert batteries of various sizes into the third and fourth charging bays 32, 34.
- the user may insert two AA size batteries, two AAA size batteries, one C size battery, or one D size battery.
- the first battery is inserted so as to be supported by the left-most battery supports 142a, 148a in the third bay 32.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 156a, 160a make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the first battery.
- the second battery is inserted so as to be supported by the right most battery supports 142c, 148c.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 156c, 160c make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the first battery.
- the user inserts a single battery so as to be supported by the inner or central battery support 142b, 148b.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 156b, 160b make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
- the third bay 32 selectively receives a battery having a relatively larger radial dimension or a plurality of batteries having a relatively smaller radial dimension in positions which are radially offset from that of the larger battery, the larger battery being disposed generally between the smaller batteries.
- the position of the movable body portion 16 is longitudinally adjustable to accommodate the longitudinal dimensions of the battery or batteries inserted in the third charging bay 32.
- the second end wall and hence contacts 160a 160b, 160c are urged in the direction of the first wall 136 so as to make reliable electrical connections with the battery or batteries inserted in the third bay 32.
- the user may likewise insert a battery or batteries of a corresponding length in the fourth charging bay 34.
- additional AA batteries may be inserted in the fourth bay 34.
- additional C size battery may be inserted in the third bay 32.
- the choice of battery sizes inserted in the third 32 and fourth 34 bays is independent from the battery sizes inserted in the first 28 and second bays 30.
- the first battery is inserted so as to be supported by the left-most battery supports 144a, 150a.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 158a, 162a make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the first battery.
- the second battery is inserted so as to be supported by the right most battery supports 144c, 150c.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 158c, 162c make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the first battery.
- the user inserts a single battery so as to be supported by the central battery support 144b, 150b.
- Corresponding electrical contacts 158b, 162b make electrical contact with the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
- the fourth bay 34 selectively receives a battery having a relatively larger radial dimension in or a plurality of batteries having a relatively smaller radial dimension in positions which are radially offset from that of the larger battery, the larger battery being disposed generally between the smaller batteries.
- electrical charge circuitry provides closed loop control of the current applied to the battery or batteries inserted in the charger 10.
- the electrical charge circuitry is disposed generally in the electronics region 200 of the main body 12 of the battery charger 10.
- the charge circuitry receives power from a power source such as an external 12 volt direct current (VDC) source.
- a power source such as an external 12 volt direct current (VDC) source.
- the charger may also include a power supply which operates from a 120 and/or 240 volt alternating current (Vac) source, or other power source.
- VDC direct current
- Vac alternating current
- the circuitry includes a charger controller 201 which is operatively connected to channel interfaces 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d.
- Each of the channel interfaces 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d is in turn associated with a corresponding charging bay 28, 30, 32, 34.
- Each channel interface 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d includes a power interface 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d and battery and charge current detector 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d.
- the power interface 204a is electrically connected to the positive battery terminals through contacts 56a, 56b and 68a.
- the battery charge and current detector 206a is electrically connected to each of the negative battery terminals through contacts 56c, 60b, 68b.
- Negative battery contact 60a and positive battery contact 60c are electrically connected so that AA or AAA batteries inserted into the first bay 28 are connected electrically in series.
- the controller 201 is also operatively connected to the human readable status indicators 18 to indicate the status of the charging.
- battery and charge current detector 206a determines whether AA or AAA batteries, a C or D battery, or a 9 volt battery are installed in the first bay and signals the controller 201 accordingly.
- the detector 206b also provides the charger controller 201 with a signal indicative of the charging current being applied to the battery (or batteries).
- the charger controller 201 in turn provides a control signal to the power interface 204a, which applies a corresponding voltage to the battery or batteries inserted in the first bay 28. In this way, the charging electronics provide closed loop control of the current to the battery or batteries.
- FIGS 12 and 13 which correspond to the views of Figures 5 and 6, depict an exemplary embodiment in which the first and second bays 28, 30 each accept additional third and fourth batteries having relatively smaller radial dimensions. As illustrated, the batteries are received in each of the bays in with their terminals arranged in a generally x-shaped configuration. While the terminal of the relatively larger battery is shown as being at the center of the x, its terminal may also be offset from them. Disposed on first end wall 36 are additional electrical contacts 57a, 57c associated with the first charging bay 28 and additional electrical contacts 59a, 59c associated with the second charging bay 30. The contacts are likewise disposed in a corresponding generally x-shaped configuration.
- the movable contact support 64 associated with the first charging bay 28 supports additional electrical contacts 61a, 61c.
- the movable contact support 66 associated with the second charging bay 30 supports additional electrical contacts 63a, 63c.
- Additional battery supports or guides 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d protrude slightly from the first end wall 36.
- Additional batteiy supports or guides 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d, 51a, 51b, 51c, 5 Id protrude slightly from the first 64 and second 66 contact supports, respectively.
- the user may insert the additional batteries, for example AA or AAA batteries, into each of the bays 28, 30. While the above has focused on the first and second bays 28, 30, the third and fourth bays 32, 34 could be configured analogously. Of course, the electrical charge circuitry would be suitably modified for the additional batteries.
- the additional batteries for example AA or AAA batteries
- the second cavity 24 and hence the third and fourth charging bays 32, 34 can be omitted.
- the second and fourth bays 30, 34 may be omitted while retaining the first and second cavities 20, 24.
- second cavity 24 could be disposed radially rather than longitudinally in relation to the first cavity 20.
- the second and fourth bays 30, 34 may also be situated so as to be radially above, rather than next to, the first and third bays 28, 32.
- additional cavities could be included.
- the sliding body portion 16 or the first and second contact supports 40, 46 be spring loaded. One or more of them may be motor driven.
- the charging bays 2S, 30, 32, 34 could be modified to accept only a single battery or a more limited range of battery sizes.
- a bay or bays could be modified to accept only AA and AAA size batteries or C and D size batteries.
- the second and fourth bays 30, 34 can be omitted.
- the first and third bays 28, 32 are configured to accept either AA or AAA size batteries.
- the contacts and supports associated with the inner or central battery are omitted.
- the first and third bays are configured to accept only a single battery.
- the outer contacts and supports may be omitted.
- the bays can be configured to accept a battery of a single size. Alternately, the bays may accept a battery having a range of sizes.
- the electrical appliance is not limited to a battery charger.
- the electrical appliance may include devices that present an electrical load, such as a flashlight, personal electronic device, toy, or the like. Of course, the size and shape of the device would be suitably modified.
- the electrical appliance may be a flashlight having a generally cylindrical or tubular body.
- the second and fourth bays 30, 34 could be omitted. With a battery or batteries inserted only in the first bay 30, the flashlight would have a relatively compact form factor.
- the third bay 32 could then be expanded to accept an optional additional battery or batteries.
- the first and third bays 30, 32 could be configured to accept a single battery, for example a D sized battery or alternately a battery having a range of sizes.
- the AA and AAA batteries have been described as being connected electrically in series.
- the contacts can be configured so that the AA and AAA batteries are connected electrically in parallel, either alone or in parallel with the contacts for the C and D cells. Thus, the spaced apart contacts could be visualized as a single electrically connected contact.
- the AA and AAA batteries may be connected to independent channels.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2006237508A AU2006237508B2 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2006-03-29 | Electrical appliance for use with batteries |
EP06748899A EP1875583A1 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2006-03-29 | Electrical appliance for use with batteries |
NZ562046A NZ562046A (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2006-03-29 | Electrical appliance for use with batteries |
CN2006800211025A CN101199095B (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2006-03-29 | Electrical appliance for use with batteries |
HK08110960.7A HK1119300A1 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2008-09-30 | Electrical appliance for use with batteries |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/104,760 | 2005-04-13 | ||
US11/104,760 US20060232243A1 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2005-04-13 | Electrical appliance for use with batteries |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006113079A1 true WO2006113079A1 (en) | 2006-10-26 |
Family
ID=36636921
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2006/011582 WO2006113079A1 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2006-03-29 | Electrical appliance for use with batteries |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060232243A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1875583A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101199095B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006237508B2 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1119300A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ562046A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006113079A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070241721A1 (en) * | 2005-03-21 | 2007-10-18 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Direct current power supply |
US7531986B2 (en) * | 2006-02-23 | 2009-05-12 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Power supply for battery powered devices |
WO2008092087A1 (en) | 2007-01-25 | 2008-07-31 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Use extender device |
WO2008092056A1 (en) * | 2007-01-25 | 2008-07-31 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Portable power supply |
US7626357B2 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2009-12-01 | Eveready Battery Co., Inc. | Battery charger having a spring loaded plunger contact mechanism |
US20080231226A1 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2008-09-25 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Battery Powered Device |
US20100090645A1 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2010-04-15 | Po-Chin Huang | Composite charging cradle for rechargeable battery |
US8633674B2 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2014-01-21 | Ada (Hong Kong) Limited | Universal charger |
DE102010011201A1 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2011-09-08 | Solarc Innovative Solarprodukte Gmbh | Mobile charging arrangement for charging different types of batteries known as rechargeable batteries |
TW201240270A (en) * | 2011-03-18 | 2012-10-01 | Samya Technology Co Ltd | Integrated battery charger |
CN106996518B (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2019-11-22 | 阳江纳谷科技有限公司 | Battery cover |
WO2020172845A1 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2020-09-03 | Gp Batteries International Limited | A device for managing rechargeable batteries and a battery charging system comprising said device |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4629962A (en) * | 1984-06-26 | 1986-12-16 | Toko, Inc. | Battery charging device |
US4766361A (en) * | 1987-09-23 | 1988-08-23 | General Electric Company | Battery charger having an interlocking assembly for accommodating increased charging rate capacity |
WO1997017734A1 (en) * | 1995-11-09 | 1997-05-15 | Rayovac Corporation | Compact battery charger |
US6049192A (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-04-11 | Motorola, Inc. | Battery charger having moving door housing for a battery |
US20020063550A1 (en) * | 2000-11-28 | 2002-05-30 | Chen Chen Chun | Battery charger capable of charging different size of batteries |
US20030062251A1 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2003-04-03 | Pfeiffer J. David | Battery size detector for a battery charger |
GB2386006A (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2003-09-03 | Ka Nam Peter Ho | A charging device |
EP1351364A1 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2003-10-08 | FRIWO Gerätebau GmbH | Battery charging device |
US6710577B1 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2004-03-23 | Jeckson Electric Company Limited | Battery charger |
US20040130289A1 (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-07-08 | Lam Yuk Nam | Portable battery charger |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3603861A (en) * | 1970-01-22 | 1971-09-07 | Mattel Inc | Electromechanical discharge-charge cycle-battery charger |
FR2708824B1 (en) * | 1993-08-03 | 1995-09-08 | Zedel | Box for electric batteries. |
-
2005
- 2005-04-13 US US11/104,760 patent/US20060232243A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-03-29 WO PCT/US2006/011582 patent/WO2006113079A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-03-29 CN CN2006800211025A patent/CN101199095B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-03-29 NZ NZ562046A patent/NZ562046A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-03-29 EP EP06748899A patent/EP1875583A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-03-29 AU AU2006237508A patent/AU2006237508B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2008
- 2008-09-30 HK HK08110960.7A patent/HK1119300A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4629962A (en) * | 1984-06-26 | 1986-12-16 | Toko, Inc. | Battery charging device |
US4766361A (en) * | 1987-09-23 | 1988-08-23 | General Electric Company | Battery charger having an interlocking assembly for accommodating increased charging rate capacity |
WO1997017734A1 (en) * | 1995-11-09 | 1997-05-15 | Rayovac Corporation | Compact battery charger |
US6049192A (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-04-11 | Motorola, Inc. | Battery charger having moving door housing for a battery |
US20020063550A1 (en) * | 2000-11-28 | 2002-05-30 | Chen Chen Chun | Battery charger capable of charging different size of batteries |
US20030062251A1 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2003-04-03 | Pfeiffer J. David | Battery size detector for a battery charger |
GB2386006A (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2003-09-03 | Ka Nam Peter Ho | A charging device |
EP1351364A1 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2003-10-08 | FRIWO Gerätebau GmbH | Battery charging device |
US20040130289A1 (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-07-08 | Lam Yuk Nam | Portable battery charger |
US6710577B1 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2004-03-23 | Jeckson Electric Company Limited | Battery charger |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2006237508B2 (en) | 2010-08-19 |
NZ562046A (en) | 2010-12-24 |
CN101199095A (en) | 2008-06-11 |
HK1119300A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 |
AU2006237508A2 (en) | 2008-09-18 |
CN101199095B (en) | 2010-05-26 |
AU2006237508A1 (en) | 2006-10-26 |
US20060232243A1 (en) | 2006-10-19 |
EP1875583A1 (en) | 2008-01-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2006237508B2 (en) | Electrical appliance for use with batteries | |
EP2070177B1 (en) | Battery charger user interface | |
US7479759B2 (en) | Electronic device including handheld electronic device with dual battery configuration, and associated method | |
US6049192A (en) | Battery charger having moving door housing for a battery | |
JP3048784B2 (en) | Chargers and electronic devices | |
JP2604936B2 (en) | Battery powered device | |
US20070247105A1 (en) | Portable battery charger | |
US20070273325A1 (en) | Power station with built in battery charger | |
WO2019065276A1 (en) | Portable power charging/supplying device | |
EP1684396A3 (en) | System for recharging medical instruments | |
WO2014026181A1 (en) | Portable power charger | |
CA2498080C (en) | Electronic device including handheld electronic device with dual battery configuration, and associated method | |
AU2005291874B2 (en) | Collapsible battery charger | |
EP1890358A3 (en) | Battery charge indicator | |
KR200478882Y1 (en) | Portable power pack | |
WO2002041465A3 (en) | High capacity compact power source and control features | |
US20070123315A1 (en) | Method and system for charging a mobile phone with conventional DC batteries | |
JP3128013U (en) | Charger | |
JP3125314U (en) | Charger | |
CN218274895U (en) | Wearable battery | |
US20060152193A1 (en) | Rechargeable back-up battery pack | |
KR20180130053A (en) | Cordless battery pack apparatus for battery substitute | |
EP1024543A3 (en) | End loading dual form battery compartment for portable electronic devices | |
JP3099930U (en) | Battery card and electric device using the battery card device | |
JP2003143767A (en) | Battery pack with charging function |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 200680021102.5 Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2006237508 Country of ref document: AU |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 562046 Country of ref document: NZ |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2006748899 Country of ref document: EP |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2006237508 Country of ref document: AU Date of ref document: 20060329 Kind code of ref document: A |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: RU |